Flat panel display

ABSTRACT

A flat panel display having a coupling structure for coupling a flat panel display module to a case. The flat panel display comprises a flat panel display module having a plurality of protrusions formed on two opposite sides, and a first case for receiving the flat panel display module. The first case includes a receiving portion providing a predetermined space in which the flat panel display module is seated, a fixing portion for fixing an end of the flat panel display module, and a plurality of coupling portions to be coupled with the plurality of protrusions. The fixing portion is made of an elastic member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No.2006-0076958 filed on Aug. 16, 2006, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a flat panel display, and moreparticularly, to a flat panel display having a coupling structure forcoupling a case and a flat panel display module such as a liquid crystaldisplay module.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art

Among flat panel displays, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is widely useddue to its characteristics such as lightweight, slim configuration, lowpower consumption, full color, and high resolution. LCDs have been usedin connection with, for example, computers, notebooks, PDAs, phones,TVs, and audio/video equipment. An LCD can control light transmissivityaccording to image signals applied to a plurality of control switchesarranged in a matrix to display a desired image on an LCD panel. LCDshave increased in size according to the demand of users, and an LCDmodule and a case for receiving the LCD module have also correspondinglyincreased in size. Thus, research has been conducted for a couplingstructure of the larger-sized LCD module and the case and a lay-out ofcomponents of the LCD module, while maintaining a light weight, and athin profile.

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a conventionalLCD having a structure employing screws.

Referring to FIG. 1, the LCD includes an LCD module 30 for displaying animage, and a front case (not shown) and a rear case 40 for covering theLCD module. A top-mounting method is used for mounting the LCD module 30to the rear case 40. Specifically, first to fourth mounting portions 11,12, 13 and 14 having first to fourth screw holes 11 a, 12 a, 13 a and 14a respectively formed therein are formed at four corners of a topchassis 10 of the LCD module to protrude by a predetermined distance.First to fourth screwing portions 41, 42, 43 and 44 corresponding to thefirst to fourth screw holes 11 a, 12 a, 13 a and 14 a are formed at fourcorners of the rear case 40 corresponding to the first to fourthmounting portions 11, 12, 13 and 14. The first to fourth screw holes 11a, 12 a, 13 a and 14 a of the top chassis correspond to the first tofourth screwing portions 41, 42, 43 and 44 of the rear case 40, andfirst to fourth screws 11 b, 12 b, 13 b and 14 b penetrate the first tofourth screw holes 11 a, 12 a, 13 a and 14 a and are then coupled to thefirst to fourth screwing portions 41, 42, 43 and 44, thereby fixing theLCD module 30 to the rear case 40.

However, since the LCD module and the rear case are coupled using thescrews, the number of processes for assembling the LCD is increased,thereby lowering assembling efficiency and productivity. In addition,since parts such as screws for coupling the LCD module and the rear caseare additionally used, a manufacturing cost of the LCD is increased.Also, the mounting portions extending outward from a sidewall of the topchassis causes a size of the LCD to be increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a flat panel display havinga coupling structure for a flat panel display module and a case, whichresults in less processes required for assembling the flat paneldisplay, less parts used for coupling the flat panel display module andthe case, and allows for a slim structure of the flat panel display.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a flat paneldisplay comprises a flat panel display module having a plurality ofprotrusions formed on two opposite sides, and a first case for receivingthe flat panel display module. The first case includes a receivingportion for providing a predetermined space in which the flat paneldisplay module is seated, a fixing portion for fixing an end of the flatpanel display module, and a plurality of coupling portions to be coupledwith the plurality of protrusions. The fixing portion is made of anelastic member.

The fixing portion may include a spring member.

Each of the coupling portions may include a body, and a groove formed ina surface of the body, wherein each groove receives a respectiveprotrusion.

The groove, for example, includes a first groove formed in the surfaceof the body in a first direction, and a second groove formed in thesurface of the body in a second direction crossing the first direction,the first and second grooves being connected to each other.

The first groove, for example, has a shape and a width corresponding tothose of the protrusion, and the second groove has a heightcorresponding to a thickness of the protrusion.

The receiving portion may include a base plate.

The plurality of coupling portions are, for example, arranged onopposite first and second sides of a peripheral portion of the receivingportion.

The plurality of protrusions of the flat panel display module are formedat positions corresponding to the plurality of coupling portions.

The fixing portion can be arranged on a third side of the base plateadjacent to the first and second sides.

The groove of each coupling portion arranged on the first side faces thesecond side, and the groove of each coupling portion arranged on thesecond side faces the first side.

The receiving portion may include a plurality of sidewalls extendingperpendicular to the base plate.

The plurality of coupling portions may be arranged on each of twoopposite first and second sidewalls of the receiving portion.

The fixing portion can be arranged on a third sidewall of the receivingportion adjacent to the first and second sidewalls.

The flat plate module may include a flat panel display panel fordisplaying an image, a bottom chassis for receiving the flat paneldisplay panel, and a top chassis for covering an upper portion of thefiat panel display panel.

The protrusions may be formed on two opposite sides of the top chassis

The flat panel display panel may he a liquid crystal display panel, andthe flat panel display module may further include a backlight unit foremitting light toward the liquid crystal display panel.

The flat panel display may further comprise a second case arranged overthe flat panel display module to cover an upper portion of the flatpanel display module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be understood in moredetail from the following descriptions taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a conventionalliquid crystal display (LCD);

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an LCD according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a plane view showing an LCD module of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a rear case of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a plane view showing a fixing portion of the rear case of FIG.4 coupled to the LCD module of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 6A to 6C are a perspective view, a plane view and a front view,respectively, showing a coupling portion of the rear case of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 7A to 7C, 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B are views for showing a process ofcoupling an LCD module to a rear case according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an LCD according to anembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing an LCD module of FIG.10, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This inventionmay, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an LCD according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the LCD includes an LCD module 1000 and a rear case2000 for receiving the LCD module.

The LCD module includes an LCD panel 100 for displaying an image.Depending on the type of LCD, the LCD module may also include abacklight unit (not shown) for emitting light to the LCD panel, and amold frame (not shown) for receiving the LCD panel 100 and the backlightunit. The LCD module also includes a top chassis 300 for covering theLCD panel. A plurality of protrusions 350 are formed on two oppositesides of the top chassis 300, and spaced apart from each other by apredetermined interval.

The rear case 2000 includes a receiving portion 2100 on which the LCDmodule 1000 is seated, fixing portions 2200 for fixing an end of the LCDmodule 1000, and a plurality of coupling portions 2300, which arecoupled with the plurality of protrusions 350 formed on the fop chassis300. The receiving portion 2100 is formed in a substantially rectangularplate shape, and the fixing portions 2200 are made of an elastic membersuch as a spring member having a predetermined elasticity. The springmember used as the fixing portion 2200 may include various kinds ofsprings such as a coil spring, a plate spring and a member comprising arubber.

Grooves 2320 and 2330 of a predetermined shape are formed in eachcoupling portion 2300, and the protrusions 350 are received by andpositioned in the grooves 2320 and 2330.

FIG. 3 is a plane view showing the LCD module of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, three of the protrusions 350 are formed on each oftwo opposite sides, e.g., on each of the left and right sidewalls, ofthe top chassis 300 to be spaced apart from each other by apredetermined interval. Each protrusion 350 may be formed in asubstantially trapezoidal shape with a hollow or a ring configuration.The number and shape of the protrusions are not limited to those shownin FIG. 3, and may vary. For example, less or more than threeprotrusions may be formed on each of the two opposite sides of the topchassis 300, and each protrusion may be formed in any one of a varietyof shapes such as square, rectangular and semicircular shapes. Inaddition, the protrusions 350 are formed integrally with the top chassis300, but are not limited thereto.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a rear case of FIG. 2.FIG. 5 is a plane view showing a fixing portion of the rear case of FIG.4 coupled to the LCD module of FIG. 3. FIGS. 6A to 6C are a perspectiveview, a plane view and a front view, respectively, showing a couplingportion of the rear case of FIG. 4.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the receiving portion 2100 is formed in arectangular plate shape and may have a size greater than the LCD module1000.

Three of the coupling portions 2300 are arranged on each of oppositefirst and second sides, e.g., on the left and right sides, of theperipheral portion of the receiving portion 2100 to be spaced apart fromeach other at a predetermined interval. The number and positions of thecoupling portions 2300 are formed to correspond to those of theprotrusions 350 formed on the top chassis 300 of the LCD module. Thegrooves 2320 and 2330 of a predetermined shape are formed in eachcoupling portion 2300, wherein the grooves 2320 and 2330 arranged on thefirst side face the second side, and the grooves 2320 and 2330 arrangedon the second side face the first side. That is, the grooves 2320 and2330 formed in each coupling portion 2300 face the inside of thereceiving portion.

The fixing portions 2200 are arranged on a third side, for example, anupper side of the receiving portion 2100 adjacent to the first andsecond sides. The fixing portions 2200 are arranged on two ends of theupper side of the receiving portion 2100, for example, left and rightends, respectively. The fixing portion 2200 is made of au elasticmember, such as a spring member, as mentioned above, to provide anelastic force in the -y axis direction. The elastic force of the fixingportion 2200 is exerted to an end of the LCD module 1000 in the -y axisdirection, thereby serving to prevent the LCD module from being movedupward and to enhance a coupling force between the protrusion 350 andthe coupling portion 2300.

Although the spring members used as the fixing portions 2200 are twoplate springs, each of which has a general ‘9’ shape, the number, kindand shape of the springs are not limited thereto and may be variouslychanged.

Referring to FIGS. 6 A to 6C, each coupling portion 2300 includes a body2310 and the grooves 2320 and 2330 formed in a surface of the body andhaving a predetermined shape to be coupled with each protrusion 350 ofthe top chassis 300 (see FIG. 3). The grooves include the first groove2320 formed in the surface of the body 2310, and extending in a firstdirection, i.e., in the z axis direction, and the second groove 2330formed in the surface of the body 2310, and extending in a seconddirection, i.e., the y axis direction, crossing the first direction. Thefirst groove 2320 and the second groove 2330 are connected to eachother.

In addition, the first groove 2320, for example, has the shape and awidth d corresponding to the shape and width of the protrusion 350 andthe second groove 2330 has the height h corresponding to a thickness ofthe protrusion 350. The protrusion 350 is inserted into the first groove2320 of the coupling portion 2300 and then moved and positioned in thesecond groove 2330. Although each groove is formed in the surface of thebody in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited theretoand alternatively, the groove may be in the form of an opening boredthrough the body.

FIGS. 7A to 7C, 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B are views for showing a process ofcoupling the LCD module to the rear case.

FIGS. 7A to 7C show states before the LCD module 1000 is coupled to therear case 2000. Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the LCD module 1000 isarranged so that an end thereof contacts the fixing portions 2200disposed on the receiving portion 2100. At this time, the end of the LCDmodule 1000 is in contact with the fixing portions 2200, and the otherend thereof is spaced apart from the receiving portion 2100 by apredetermined distance. Referring to FIG. 7C, each of the protrusions350 of the LCD module is not yet in contact with the first or secondgrooves 2320, 2330.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a state where an external force is applied to theLCD module 1000 in a predetermined direction. Referring to FIG. 8A, ifan external force is applied to move the LCD module 1000 upward (asshown by the clear arrow in FIGS. 8A and 8B), ends of the fixingportions 2200 in contact with the end of the LCD module 1000 are bentand moved upward.

Referring to FIG. 8B, while the LCD module is moved upward, theprotrusions 350 are also moved upward. As a result, the protrusions 350are positioned above the first grooves 2320 of the coupling portions2300 and then inserted into the first grooves 2320 (as shown by thedotted arrow in FIG. 8B).

FIGS. 9A and 9B show the state where the protrusion of the LCD module iscoupled to the coupling portion of the rear case.

Referring to FIG. 9A, if the external force applied to the LCD module1000 in the predetermined direction is removed, the fixing portions 2200are restored to their original state by their elastic force, and theelastic force moves the LCD module in the direction of the clear arrow.

Referring to FIG. 9B, while the LCD module 1000 is moved to in thedirection of the clear arrow, i.e., downward, by means of the elasticforce of the fixing portions 2200, the protrusions 350 inserted into thefirst grooves 2320 are also moved downward. As a result, the protrusions350 are inserted into and coupled to the second grooves 2330 of thecoupling portions 2300.

Using such a coupling structure, the LCD module 1000 is securely fixedto the rear case 2000 in horizontal and vertical directions. That is,the LCD module is restrained in the horizontal direction, i.e., in the xaxis direction, between the coupling portions 2300 installed at twosides of the rear case according to the size of the LCD module. Theprofusions are fastened to the second grooves 2330 provided in thecoupling portions. The second grooves 2330 correspond to the level ofthe protrusions of the LCD module, so that the LCD module is alsorestrained in the vertical direction, i.e., in the z axis direction. Inaddition, the elastic fixing portions 2200 restrain the LCD module inthe y axis direction.

A process of disassembling the LCD module from the rear case 2000 can beperformed in an order reverse to the coupling process.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an LCD according to anembodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is an explodedperspective view showing an LCD module of FIG 10. The embodiment shownin FIG. 10 is substantially similar to the embodiment described inconnection with FIGS. 2-9B, except with respect to, for example, astructure of a receiving portion of the rear case and an arrangement ofthe fixing portions.

Referring to FIG. 10, an LCD includes an LCD module 1000, a rear case2000 for receiving the LCD module, and a front case 3000 for coveringthe LCD module.

The LCD module 1000 includes an LCD panel 100, and may include abacklight unit. The LCD module includes a top chassis 300 for coveringthe LCD panel. A plurality of protrusions 350 are formed on each of twoopposite sides of the top chassis 300 and spaced apart from each otherat a predetermined interval.

The rear case 2000 includes a receiving portion 2100 for providing apredetermined space in which the LCD module 1000 will be placed, fixingportions 2200 for fixing an end of the LCD module 1000, and a pluralityof coupling portions 2300 coupled with the plurality of protrusions 350formed on the top chassis 300. The receiving portion 2100 includes abase plate 2110 having a generally rectangular shape, and a plurality ofsidewalks 2120 vertically extending from the base plate 2110.

Three coupling portions 2300 are arranged on each of opposite first andsecond sidewalls 2121 and 2122 among the plurality of sidewalls 2120.The coupling portions 2300 are spaced apart from each other by apredetermined interval. The number and positions of the couplingportions 2300 are formed to correspond with those of the protrusions 350formed on the top chassis 300 of the LCD module. At The coupling portion2300 may be formed integrally with the sidewalls 2121 and 2122 of therear case 2000, whereby the sidewalls 2121 or 2122 form the body of thecoupling portion 2300.

The fixing portions 2200 are arranged on a third sidewall 2123 adjacentto the first and second sidewalls 2121 and 2122, which is opposite afourth sidewall 2124. The fixing portions 2200 are respectively arrangedon both ends, for example, the right and left ends, of the thirdsidewall 2123. Spring members are used as the fixing portions 2200, forexample, two plate springs, each of which has a substantiallysemicircular shape. The number, kind and shape of the springs are notlimited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 11, the LCD module 1000 includes a top chassis 300, anLCD panel 100, driving circuit units 220 and 240, a plurality of opticalsheets 700, a lamp unit 400, a light guide plate 500, a reflection plate600, a mold frame 800 and a bottom chassis 900.

A predetermined receiving space is defined in the mold frame 800. Theplurality of optical sheets 700, the lamp unit 400, the light guideplate 500 and the reflection plate 600, which are components of abacklight unit, are arranged in the receiving space of the mold frame.The LCD panel 100 for displaying an image is arranged over the backlightunit.

The driving circuit units 220 and 240 are connected to the LCD panel100, and include a gate-side printed circuit board (PCB) 224 having acontrol integrated circuit (IC) mounted thereon and applying apredetermined gate signal to gate lines of a TFT substrate 120, adata-side PCB 244 having a control IC mounted thereon and applying apredetermined data signal to data lines of the TFT substrate 120, agate-side flexible PCB 222 for connecting the TFT substrate 120 to thegate-side PCB 224, and a data-side flexible PCB 242 for connecting theTFT substrate 120 to the data-side PCB 244. The gate-side and data-sidePCBs 224 and 244 are respectively connected to the gate-side anddata-side flexible PCBs 222 and 242 in order to apply gate driving andexternal image signals. The gate-side and data-side PCBs 224 and 244 maybe integrated into a single PCB. In addition, driving ICs (not shown)are mounted on the flexible PCBs 222 and 242 to transmit power and RGB(Red, Green and Blue) signals generated in the PCBs 224 and 244 to theLCD panel 100.

The lamp unit 400 includes a lamp 410 and a lamp clamp 411. The lamp 410may include a cold cathode fluorescent lamp. In addition, the lamp 410may have an ‘I’ shape as shown in the figure, but it is not limitedthereto. The lamp clamp 411, which holds the lamp, also functions toreflect the light, which is generated from the lamp (e.g., the coldcathode fluorescent lamp) in radial directions, to be emitted in asingle direction, thereby maximizing a utilization efficiency of thelight. The light guide plate 500 is coupled to the lamp clamp 411 tochange the light with an optical distribution in the form of a linearlight source generated from the lamp unit 400, into the light with anoptical distribution in form of a surface light source. A wedge type ora parallel fiat type plate, for example, may be used as the light guideplate 500. Also, as the reflection plate 600, a plate with a high lightreflectivity is used. The reflection plate 600 contacts a floor surfaceof the bottom chassis 900. The reflection plate 600 may be excluded if amaterial with a sufficient light reflectivity is applied on the floorsurface of the bottom chassis 900. The plurality of optical sheets 700are arranged over the light guide plate 500 to enhance brightnessuniformity of the light output from the light guide plate 500.

The top chassis 300 is coupled to the mold frame 800 to cover an edgeportion of the LCD panel 100, i.e., to cover a non-displaying region andportions of side and bottom surfaces of the mold frame 800.

A plurality of protrusions 350 are formed on each of two oppositesidewalls of the top chassis 300. The protrusions 350 are spaced apartfrom each other at a predetermined interval. Such protrusions may beformed integrally with the top chassis. The bottom chassis 900 ismounted below the mold frame 800 to close the receiving space of themold frame.

Although the aforementioned embodiments have been described based on anLCD among flat panel displays, a flat panel display provided with acoupling structure for coupling a flat panel display module and a caseaccording to the embodiments of the present invention is not limited toan LCD. For example, the coupling structure may be applied to variouskinds of flat panel displays such as an organic light emitting diode(OLED) using a principle (referred to as “electroluminescence”) in whichwhen a light emitting material made of an organic material or conjugatedpolymer with a semiconductor property is interposed between twoelectrodes and a voltage is then applied thereto, light is generatedfrom the organic material or polymer while a current flows into thelight emitting material, or a plasma display panel (PDP) in which aplurality of small cells are arranged between two substrates and gas(e.g., neon or argon) discharge is generated between (positive andnegative) electrodes above and below the substrates and then the cellscause self luminescence by means of ultraviolet rays generated by thegas discharge, thereby reproducing color images. According to theembodiments of the present invention, the number of processes ofassembling an LCD can be decreased by excluding the use of screws, andthe number of parts used for coupling an LCD module to a case is alsodecreased. As a result, the manufacturing cost is effectively reduced.In addition, it is possible to maintain an LCD with a thin profile.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is tobe understood that the present invention should not be limited to thoseprecise embodiments and that various other changes and modifications maybe affected therein by one of ordinary skill in the related art withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the invention. All such changesand modifications are intended to be included within the scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A flat panel display, comprising: a flat panel display module havinga plurality of protrusions formed on two opposite sides; a first easefor receiving the flat panel display module; and a fixing portion fixingan end of the flat panel display module, wherein the first case includesa receiving portion providing a predetermined space in which the fiatpanel display module is disposed, and a plurality of coupling portionsto he coupled with the plurality of protrusions, and wherein the fixingportion includes an elastic member.
 2. The flat panel display as claimedin claim 1, wherein the fixing portion includes a spring member.
 3. Theflat panel display as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the couplingportions includes a body, and a groove formed in a surface of the body,wherein each groove receives a respective protrusion.
 4. The flat paneldisplay as claimed in claim 3, wherein the groove includes a firstgroove formed in the surface of the body in a first direction, and asecond groove formed in the surface of the body in a second directioncrossing the first direction, the first and second grooves beingconnected to each other.
 5. The flat panel display as claimed in claim4, wherein the first groove has a shape and a width corresponding to ashape and a width of a protrusion, and the second groove has a heightcorresponding to a thickness of the protrusion.
 6. The flat paneldisplay as claimed in claim 4, wherein the protrusions are inserted intothe first groove, and then are slid in the second direction to beinserted into the second groove.
 7. The flat panel display as claimed inclaim 6, wherein the fixing portion slide the flat panel display modulein a direction substantially equal to the second direction.
 8. The fiatpanel display as claimed in claim 3, wherein the receiving portionincludes a base plate.
 9. The flat panel display as claimed in claim 8,wherein the plurality of coupling portions are arranged on first andsecond sides of a peripheral portion of the receiving portion.
 10. Theflat panel display as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plurality ofprotrusions are formed at positions corresponding to positions of theplurality of coupling portions.
 11. The flat panel display as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the fixing portion is arranged on a third side of thebase plate adjacent to the first and second sides.
 12. The flat paneldisplay as claimed in claim 9, wherein the groove of each couplingportion arranged on the first side faces the second side, and the grooveof each coupling portion arranged on the second side faces the firstside.
 13. The flat panel display as claimed in claim 8, wherein thereceiving portion further includes a plurality of sidewalls extendingperpendicular to the base plate.
 14. The flat panel display as claimedin claim 13, wherein the plurality of coupling portions are arranged oneach of opposite first and second sidewalls of the plurality ofsidewalls.
 15. The flat panel display as claimed in claim 14, whereinthe fixing portion is arranged on the third sidewall of the plurality ofsidewalls adjacent to the first and second sidewalls.
 16. The flat paneldisplay as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flat plate module includes aflat panel display panel for displaying an image, a bottom chassis forreceiving the flat panel display panel, and a top chassis for covering aportion of the flat panel display panel.
 17. The flat panel display asclaimed in claim 16, wherein the protrusions are formed on two oppositesides of the top chassis.
 18. The flat panel display as claimed in claim16, wherein the flat panel display panel is a liquid crystal displaypanel and the fiat panel display module further includes a backlightunit.
 19. The flat panel display as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising a second case arranged over the flat panel display module tocover a portion of the flat panel display module.